A Cuban man who suffered a severe shark bite last Monday while fishing with his children in the Florida Keys is recovering well, although he remains hospitalized in Miami. José Ángel Abreu, 37, a resident of Opa-locka, displayed the wounds inflicted by the shark on the right side of his chest, as well as his left leg and arm.
From Jackson Memorial South, where he is expected to stay for a longer period, Abreu recounted to Local 10 that he was spear fishing with a friend who assisted him during the incident. They were already heading back to the boat when the shark followed them. "You don't have time to feel anything; everything happens too fast," he said.
Despite the pain, Abreu managed to calm his distressed children. "My kids were saying, 'Dad, don't die, don't die.' And I told them not to worry," he detailed.
The Cuban man was spear fishing on a reef off the coast of Key West when he was attacked Monday afternoon. He was brought to the shore on Stock Island shortly afterward and airlifted by helicopter to the hospital.
Abreu never lost consciousness, neither while the boat was returning to the marina nor during the medical helicopter transport. "I am probably here because of my friend. He saved my life," he emphasized.
Details about the Shark Attack and Recovery
Below are some frequently asked questions about the incident and Abreu's recovery, which provide additional details and context.
Where did the shark attack occur?
The shark attack occurred on a reef off the coast of Key West in the Florida Keys.
How was Abreu transported to the hospital?
Abreu was airlifted by helicopter to Jackson Memorial South hospital in Miami after being brought to shore on Stock Island.
Who assisted Abreu during the shark attack?
Abreu's friend, who was also spear fishing with him, assisted and helped save his life during the shark attack.
Did Abreu lose consciousness during the ordeal?
No, Abreu did not lose consciousness at any point, either while returning to the marina or during the helicopter transport to the hospital.